By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialized security unit to intensify efforts toward the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The announcement was made during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The delegation conveyed the President’s deep concern over the incident and reassured affected families and communities of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of all victims.
As part of measures to strengthen security in the area, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government. The delegation also pledged to forward the communities’ request for the establishment of a military base in the area to the President for consideration.
In addition, President Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialized rescue team equipped with advanced operational capabilities to support ongoing efforts to free the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities demonstrated his determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” he said.
He acknowledged the anxiety and pain being experienced by parents and community members, assuring them that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated.
“Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” Gbajabiamila added.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathized with the monarch and the people over the tragic incident.
They further visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased school teacher who lost his life during the abduction, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the family and assured them of government support.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to restoring security in the affected communities and ensuring that all those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.
